Locator Tool Assembly for Paint Replacement Films

ABSTRACT

A locator tool assembly ( 10 ) comprising a locator tool ( 20 ) capable of being mounted to a vehicle door ( 200 ). The tool ( 20 ) includes at least one locator projection ( 42   a,    42   b ) adapted to mount one or more film tabs ( 104 ). Each tab ( 104 ) forms a removable part of an adhesive-backed film structure ( 102 ). The assembly ( 10 ) further includes a stripper mechanism ( 50 ) associated with the locator tool ( 20 ) for use in removing the one or more film tabs ( 104 ) from the at least one locator projection ( 42   a,    42   b ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to paint replacement films and tapes, inparticular, to tools and methods used to apply such films or tapes to adesired adherend, and more particularly, to such tools and methods thatare used in the application of paint replacement films or tapes toportions of a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, aircraft, watercraft, etc.).

BACKGROUND ART

Adhesive backed (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive backed) paintreplacement films or tapes have been used to color portions of a vehiclesuch as, for example, body portions of an automobile. One such tape iscolored black and has been used to color various portions of anautomobile door such as, for example, the window sash and/or pillars ofan automobile door.

Various tools have been devised for assisting in the application of suchtapes to automobile doors. For example, there are tools that locate tapeat a desired position on an automobile door before the tape is actuallyadhered to the door. An example of such a tape locator tool can be foundin Japanese Kokai Patent Publication No. JP2003063729, entitled ADHESIVETAPE AFFIXING AUXILIARY JIG, AND ADHESIVE TAPE AFFIXING METHOD UTILIZINGTHE JIG, assigned to the assignee of the present application, by theinventor TAKAYOSHI FUJINO, having Application No. 2001259972, and filedon Aug. 29, 2001, and published on Mar. 5, 2003. Such tools haveincluded structure for securing the tool to the door and for holding thetape adjacent to the location on the door that the tape is to beadhered. In this way, the tape can be more accurately and consistentlyapplied to the desired portion of the automobile door. The paintreplacement tapes used with such tape locator tools include a releaseliner for protecting the pressure sensitive adhesive (i.e., PSA) untilthe tape is applied. Examples of such paint replacement tapes can befound in U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,993, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

The present invention provides an improvement in such locator tooltechnology.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

A locator tool assembly is provided having a locator tool capable ofbeing mounted to an edge of an outer surface of a vehicle door. In oneembodiment, the tool is mountable to an outer edge of the vehicle doorouter surface. In another embodiment, the tool is mountable to an inneredge of the vehicle door outer surface. The tool functions to properlyposition an adhesive-backed film structure relative to the vehicle doorso that at least a segment of the film structure can be accuratelyapplied to a desired portion of the vehicle door. The film structure canalso comprise a tab, which is mounted to one or more locator projectionsforming part of the tool. The film structure segment can be secured tothe vehicle door (e.g., the door sash or pillar) by use of a pressuresensitive adhesive provided on the back side of the segment. One filmstructure segment that can be applied according to the present inventionis an adhesive-backed paint replacement film, which is used to replaceconventional liquid paint. The locator tool assembly can also include astripper mechanism associated with the locator tool for use in removingone or more tabs held by the one or more locator projections.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a locatortool is provided which is capable of being positioned on an edge of anouter surface of a vehicle door. The tool functions to properly locatean adhesive-backed film segment to be applied to the vehicle door outersurface. The tool comprises: a main body configured to be mounted on theedge of the outer surface of the vehicle door; holding structureassociated with the main body for releasably securing the main body tothe outer surface edge; and at least one locator projection associatedwith the main body and adapted to mount an adhesive-backed filmstructure including the film segment capable of being adhered to thevehicle door outer surface.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a locatortool assembly is provided comprising a locator tool capable of beingmounted to a vehicle door and including at least one locator projectionadapted to mount one or more film tabs. Each tab forms a removable partof an adhesive-backed film structure. The tool assembly furthercomprises a stripper mechanism associated with the locator tool for usein removing the one or more film tabs from the at least one locatorprojection.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for applying an adhesive-backed film segment to an outersurface of a vehicle door. The method comprises the step of providing alocator tool assembly comprising a locator tool capable of being mountedto a vehicle door and including at least one locator projection. Thelocator tool assembly further includes a stripper mechanism associatedwith the locator tool. The method further comprises the steps of:mounting the locator tool to the vehicle door; mounting anadhesive-backed film structure on the at least one locator projectionvia a tab forming part of the adhesive-backed film structure; securingan adhesive-backed film segment forming part of the film structure to anouter surface of the vehicle door; and removing the tab of theadhesive-backed film structure from the at least one locator projectionvia the stripper mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a locator tool assembly constructed inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the locator tool assembly constructed inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the locator tool assembly of FIG. 2,with the stripper mechanism shown in a retracted position relative to atab illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the locator tool assembly of FIG. 2,with the stripper mechanism shown in an extended position so as toassist in moving the tab illustrated in phantom away from a main body ofthe locator tool and free of locator pins;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the locator tool assembly of FIG. 2 mounted toa vehicle door corner;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a portion of a vehicle door in crosssection with the tool assembly of FIG. 2 mounted to an outer edge of anouter surface of the vehicle door;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a film structure prior to the segmentbeing separated from the tab; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of a locator tool assembly constructed inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention mounted toan inner edge of an outer surface of a vehicle door.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is a locator tool assembly 10 constructed inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention for use inapplying an adhesive backed film or tape segment 100 to an outer face ofan adherend. The adhesive-backed film segment 100 may comprise a paintreplacement film, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is applied to anouter surface 202 of a vehicle door 200, see FIGS. 5 and 6. In theillustrated embodiment, the vehicle door 200 comprises a sash 204 and apillar 206. The vehicle door outer surface 202 is defined by the outersurfaces of the sash 204 and the pillar 206.

The film segment 100 is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5 and in solidline in FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the film segment 100defines a portion of an adhesive-backed film structure 102. The filmstructure 102 further comprises an adhesive-backed film tab 104. Arelease liner 106 is provided which is releasably mounted to theadhesive side of the film structure 102. The film tab 104 is providedwith a pair of openings 104 a. Similarly, a first portion 106 a of therelease liner 106, which portion 106 a is releasably secured to the tab104, includes a pair of openings 106 b in-line with the openings 104 a.The openings 104 a and 106 b allow the film structure 102 andcorresponding release liner 106 to be mounted to the tool assembly 10,as will be discussed in further detail below.

The release liner 106 further includes a second portion 106 c, which isreleasably secured to the film segment 100. A perforation line 108 isprovided through the film structure 102 so as to permit the film segment100 to be separated from the tab 104. A perforation line 108 a may alsobe provided in the release liner 106, which perforation line 108 a maybe formed concurrently with the perforation line 108 in the filmstructure 102. The release liner 106 may also include a score line 108b, i.e., a cut extending completely through the liner 106, so as topermit the release liner second portion 106 c to be removed from thefilm segment 100.

The film structure 102 may comprise any one of the pressure sensitiveadhesive films or tapes disclosed in the following documents: WO01/28769 A1, entitled “CONFORMABLE MULTILAYER FILMS,” published on Apr.26, 2001; WO 02/064674 A2, entitled “REPLACEMENT FOR PLASTICIZEDPOLYVINYL CHLORIDE,” published on Aug. 22, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,675B1 and entitled “ADHESIVE-BACK ARTICLES”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,831 B2 andentitled “MULTI-LAYER ARTICLE”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,759,110 B1 and entitled“STRUCTURED RELEASE LINERS WITH IMPROVED ADHESION TO ADHESIVE ARTICLES”;and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0207065 A1 and entitled“ADHESIVES HAVING A MICROREPLICATED TOPOGRAPHY AND METHODS OF MAKING ANDUSING SAME”; the disclosure of each of these documents is incorporatedherein by reference.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the locator tool assembly 10 comprises alocator tool 20 and a release or stripper mechanism 50. The locator tool20 is mounted to an outer edge 202 a of the vehicle door outer surface202. The tool 20 comprises a main body 30 having first and second legportions 32 and 34 which, in the illustrated embodiment, define an angleθ of about 100 degrees, see FIG. 5, so as to allow the main body 30 tobe mounted to a corner 207 of the vehicle door 200. The angle θ mayvary, e.g., 0 degrees to 180 degrees, so as to allow the main body 30 tobe configured to the shape of any vehicle door corner. It is alsocontemplated that the main body may comprise a single leg having asubstantially linear or curved shape. The main body 30 may be formedfrom a polymeric material such as polyacetal, nylon, linen reinforcedbakelite or like materials. It is also contemplated that the main body30 may be formed from a metal having surfaces painted or coated with apolymeric layer so as not to mark a painted surface of a vehicle door towhich the tool 20 is attached.

The main body 30 further comprises first and second opposing flanges 36a, 36 b defining a first recess 38 a, third and fourth opposing flanges36 c, 36 d defining a second recess 38 b, and fifth and sixth opposingflanges 36 e, 36 f defining a third recess 38 c, see FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and6. As is apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, the locator tool 20 is mounted sothat the outer edge 202 a of the vehicle door outer surface 202 isreceived in the recesses 38 a-38 c. First, second and third pairs ofmagnets 40 a, 40 b and 40 c are mounted in corresponding openings in themain body 30 so as to be flush with the openings or slightly recessed inthe openings. The magnets 40 a-40 c preferably do not extend into therecesses 38 a-38 c so as not to scratch or mark the vehicle door outeredge 202 a, see FIGS. 5 and 6. The magnets 40 a-40 c function toreleasably secure or hold the locator tool 20 to the vehicle door outersurface 202. It is also contemplated that each recess 38 a-38 c may bedefined by only a single flange instead of two flanges.

A pair of locator pins 42 a and 42 b (also referred to herein as locatorprojections) extend through corresponding bores 39 a and 39 b in themain body 30, see FIG. 1. The release liner 106. The tab 104 and itscorresponding release liner portion 106 a may remain on the locator pins42 a, 42 b. Because the locator tool 20 may be used to apply a pluralityof film segments 100 to multiple vehicle doors, a number of tabs 104 andcorresponding release liner portions 106 a may build up on the locatorpins 42 a, 42 b. As the tabs 104 build up, their removal from thelocator pins 42 a, 42 b become more and more difficult, especially whenthe holes 104 a, 106 a in the tabs 104 and corresponding release linerportions 106 a and the locator pins 42 a, 42 b are designed to fitsnuggly together. The stripper mechanism 50, which is associated withthe locator tool 20, provides an easy means by which to push or move thetabs 104 and corresponding release liner portions 106 a off the locatorpins 42 a, 42 b.

The stripper mechanism 50 comprises first and second guide rods 52 a and52 b which are slidably received in bores 39 c and 39 d in the locatortool main body 30, see FIG. 1. The mechanism 50 further comprises firstand second stripper plates 54 and 56 (also referred to herein asstripper elements), which are coupled together via the guide rods 52 a,52 b. Bolts, screws or pins 55 are provided for fixedly coupling theplates 54 and 56 to the guide rods 52 a, 52 b. After being coupledtogether, the plates 54 and 56 are positioned on the opposing sides 30 aand 30 b of the main body 30, see FIG. 2.

First and second openings 54 a and 54 b, respectively, are provided inthe first plate 54, and first and second openings 56 a and 56 b,respectively, are provided in the second plate 56. Locator pin 42 apasses through the first openings 54 a and 56 a in the plates 54 and 56,and locator pin 42 b passes through the second openings 54 b and 56 b inthe plates 54 and 56. Hence, the release mechanism 50 may be manuallymoved relative to the main body 30 and the main body locator pins 42 a,42 b.

First and second plate recesses 132 and 134, respectively, are providedin the main body 30 and are shaped to receive the first and secondplates 54 and 56, respectively, see FIGS. 1 and 2. The first plate 54 isreceived in the first plate recess 132 when the stripper mechanism 50 ismoved to a first position so as to allow a film structure 102 to bepositioned adjacent to the main body first side 30 a, see FIG. 3. It isnoted that the stripper mechanism 50 is free-floating relative to themain body 30 in the illustrated embodiment. Hence, when a tab 104 ispushed onto the locator pins 42 a, 42 b so as to be adjacent to the mainbody first side 30 a, the stripper mechanism 50 is automaticallypositioned in its first position such that the first plate 54 isreceived in the first plate recess 132. When the stripper mechanism 50is in its first position, the second plate 56 is spaced away from thesecond side 30 b of the main body 30. The second plate 56 is received inthe second plate recess 134 when the stripper mechanism 50 is moved to asecond position so as to allow a film structure 102 to be positionedadjacent to the main body second side 30 b, see FIG. 2. When thestripper mechanism 50 is in its second position, the first plate 54 isspaced away from the first side 30 a of the main body 30.

When one or more tabs 104 positioned on the locator pins 42 a, 42 b areto be removed, an operator need only manually move the strippermechanism 50 in a direction toward the tabs 104 so as to move the tabs104 off the pins 42 a, 42 b. For example, a single tab 104 is shown inphantom in FIG. 3 positioned on the locator pins 42 a, 42 b. The tab 104is also positioned adjacent to main body first side 30 a and firststripper plate 54. To remove the tab 104, the stripper mechanism 50 ismanually moved in a direction toward the tab 104 such that the firststripper plate 54 is moved away from the main body first side 30 a,thereby pushing the tab 104 off the locator pins 42 a, 42 b, see FIG. 4.

The process for applying an adhesive-backed film segment 100 to theouter surface 202 of a vehicle door 200 will now be described.Initially, the locator tool 20 is manually mounted to the outer edge 202a of the vehicle door outer surface 202 such that the outer edge 202 ais received in the recesses 38 a-38 c, see FIGS. 5 and 6. Then, anadhesive-backed film structure 102 and corresponding release liner 106are mounted to the locator pins 42 a, 42 b, see FIG. 5 where a portionof a film structure 102 is shown in phantom. The second portion 106 c ofthe release liner 106 is separated from the release liner first portion106 a via the score line 108 b and removed from the film segment 100.The adhesive side of the film segment 100, which is nearest to thevehicle door 200, is then manually adhered to the door outer surface202. A squeegee (not shown) comprising a soft plastic block, which maybe covered with a padded cloth to reduce scratching of the vehicle door200, may be used by the operator to assist in applying the film segment100 to the vehicle door outer surface 202. A hand-held tool (not shown)having one or more rollers for applying the film segment 100 to thevehicle door outer surface 202 may also be provided. It is alsocontemplated that an operator may wear soft gloves when applying thefilm segment 100, with or without a squeegee or tool with one or morerollers, to the vehicle door outer surface 202. Next, the locator tool20 is removed from the vehicle door 200. In the illustrated embodiment,the film segment 100 automatically separates from the tab 104 locatorpins 42 a and 42 b are fixed in position in the main body 30 via lockingpress-fit pins 44 a and 44 b or set screws. The locator pins 42 a and 42b are spaced apart a distance which is substantially equal to thedistance between the openings 104 a in the film tab 104 and the openings106 b in the release liner 106. The locator pins 42 a, 42 b function tomount an adhesive-backed film structure 102 and its correspondingrelease liner 106. Preferably, the pins 42 a, 42 b and openings 104 aand 106 b are sized to fit snuggly one inside the other, respectively.By snuggly mounting the film structure 102 and its release liner 106onto the pins 42 a, 42 b, the locator tool 20, which preferably haspreviously been mounted to the outer edge 202 a of the vehicle doorouter surface 202, functions to properly position the film structure 102relative to the vehicle door 200 so that the segment 100 of the filmstructure 102 may be accurately located and applied to the vehicle door200. It is also contemplated that a single locator projection may beprovided in place of the locator pins 42 a and 42 b. Such a singleprojection may have a cross-section that is circular shaped, like eitherpin 42 a or 42 b, or a cross-section that is wider than it is high(e.g., as wide as the spaced apart pins 42 a and 42 b and as high as thediameter of either pin 42) and that is received in a single slotprovided in each of tab and release liner, or at least the tab.

Because the locator pins 42 a and 42 b extend outwardly beyond first andsecond outer surfaces or sides 30 a and 30 b of the main body 30, thelocator tool 20 may be used to mount a film structure 102 and itscorresponding release liner 106 adjacent to either a right-hand orleft-hand vehicle door. It is also contemplated that the locator pins 42a, 42 b may extend outwardly from only a single side 30 a or 30 b of themain body 30. In this latter embodiment, the tool 20 may only be usedwith either a right-hand or a left-hand vehicle door.

A portion 30 c of the main body 30 near the flanges 36 a-36 f and oneach of the main body sides 30 a and 30 b is provided with a textured orgrooved surface 130, see FIG. 1. The textured surface 130 functions toreduce the amount of adhesion that occurs when a portion of an adhesiveside of the adhesive-backed film segment 100 contacts the main body 30thereby allowing the segment adhesive side portion to be easily removedfrom the textured surface 130.

During the film segment application process, which will be describedmore explicitly below, the film segment 100 is separated from itscorresponding tab 104 and release liner 106. The tab 104 and itscorresponding release liner portion 106 a may remain on the locator pins42 a, 42 b. Because the locator tool 20 may be used to apply a pluralityof film segments 100 to multiple vehicle doors, a number of tabs 104 andcorresponding release liner portions 106 a may build up on the locatorpins 42 a, 42 b. As the tabs 104 build up, their removal from thelocator pins 42 a, 42 b become more and more difficult, especially whenthe holes 104 a, 106 a in the tabs 104 and corresponding release linerportions 106 a and the locator pins 42 a, 42 b are designed to fitsnuggly together. The stripper mechanism 50, which is associated withthe locator tool 20, provides an easy means by which to push or move thetabs 104 and corresponding release liner portions 106 a off the locatorpins 42 a, 42 b.

The stripper mechanism 50 comprises first and second guide rods 52 a and52 b which are slidably received in bores 39 c and 39 d in the locatortool main body 30, see FIG. 1. The mechanism 50 further comprises firstand second stripper plates 54 and 56 (also referred to herein asstripper elements), which are coupled together via the guide rods 52 a,52 b. Bolts, screws or pins 55 are provided for fixedly coupling theplates 54 and 56 to the guide rods 52 a, 52 b. After being coupledtogether, the plates 54 and 56 are positioned on the opposing sides 30 aand 30 b of the main body 30, see FIG. 2.

First and second openings 54 a and 54 b, respectively, are provided inthe first plate 54, and first and second openings 56 a and 56 b,respectively, are provided in the second plate 56. Locator pin 42 apasses through the first openings 54 a and 56 a in the plates 54 and 56,and locator pin 42 b passes through the second openings 54 b and 56 b inthe plates 54 and 56. Hence, the release mechanism 50 may be manuallymoved relative to the main body 30 and the main body locator pins 42 a,42 b.

First and second plate recesses 132 and 134, respectively, are providedin the main body 30 and are shaped to receive the first and secondplates 54 and 56, respectively, see FIGS. 1 and 2. The first plate 54 isreceived in the first plate recess 132 when the stripper mechanism 50 ismoved to a first position so as to allow a film structure 102 to bepositioned adjacent to the main body first side 30 a, see FIG. 3. It isnoted that the stripper mechanism 50 is free-floating relative to themain body 30 in the illustrated embodiment. Hence, when a tab 104 ispushed onto the locator pins 42 a, 42 b so as to be adjacent to the mainbody first side 30 a, the stripper mechanism 50 is automaticallypositioned in its first position such that the first plate 54 isreceived in the first plate recess 132. When the stripper mechanism 50is in its first position, the second plate 56 is spaced away from thesecond side 30 b of the main body 30. The second plate 56 is received inthe second plate recess 134 when the stripper mechanism 50 is moved to asecond position so as to allow a film structure 102 to be positionedadjacent to the main body second side 30 b, see FIG. 2. When thestripper mechanism 50 is in its second position, the first plate 54 isspaced away from the first side 30 a of the main body 30.

When one or more tabs 104 positioned on the locator pins 42 a, 42 b areto be removed, an operator need only manually move the strippermechanism 50 in a direction toward the tabs 104 so as to move the tabs104 off the pins 42 a, 42 b. For example, a single tab 104 is shown inphantom in FIG. 3 positioned on the locator pins 42 a, 42 b. The tab 104is also positioned adjacent to main body first side 30 a and firststripper plate 54. To remove the tab 104, the stripper mechanism 50 ismanually moved in a direction toward the tab 104 such that the firststripper plate 54 is moved away from the main body first side 30 a,thereby pushing the tab 104 off the locator pins 42 a, 42 b, see FIG. 4.

The process for applying an adhesive-backed film segment 100 to theouter surface 202 of a vehicle door 200 will now be described.Initially, the locator tool 20 is manually mounted to the outer edge 202a of the vehicle door outer surface 202 such that the outer edge 202 ais received in the recesses 38 a-38 c, see FIGS. 5 and 6. Then, anadhesive-backed film structure 102 and corresponding release liner 106are mounted to the locator pins 42 a, 42 b, see FIG. 5 where a portionof a film structure 102 is shown in phantom. The second portion 106 c ofthe release liner 106 is separated from the release liner first portion106 a via the score line 108 b and removed from the film segment 100.The adhesive side of the film segment 100, which is nearest to thevehicle door 200, is then manually adhered to the door outer surface202. A squeegee (not shown) comprising a soft plastic block, which maybe covered with a padded cloth to reduce scratching of the vehicle door200, may be used by the operator to assist in applying the film segment100 to the vehicle door outer surface 202. A hand-held tool (not shown)having one or more rollers for applying the film segment 100 to thevehicle door outer surface 202 may also be provided. It is alsocontemplated that an operator may wear soft gloves when applying thefilm segment 100, with or without a squeegee or tool with one or morerollers, to the vehicle door outer surface 202. Next, the locator tool20 is removed from the vehicle door 200. In the illustrated embodiment,the film segment 100 automatically separates from the tab 104 via theperforation line 108 when the tool 20 is removed from the door 200.Alternatively, a recess (not shown) may be provided in the main body 30,which recess is in-line with the perforation line 108. The recess allowsan operator to easily apply pressure to the film structure 102 along theperforation line 108, such as by using a pointed edge of a squeegee, soas to separate the film segment 100 from the tab 104.

After the tool 20 is removed, any remaining portions of the film segment100 which have not yet been adhered to the door outer surface 202 arepressed against the surface 202, including the wrapping of outer edgesof the film segment 100 about outer edges of the vehicle door outersurface 202, to complete the application process. The tab 104 and itscorresponding release liner portion 106 a may be removed from thelocator pins 42 a, 42 b just after the corresponding film segment 100has been applied to the vehicle door 200 using the stripper mechanism50. Alternatively, a plurality of tabs 104 and corresponding releaseliner portions 106 a may be allowed to build up on the locator pins 42a, 42 b and later removed simultaneously via the stripper mechanism 50.

A locator tool 400, constructed in accordance with a second embodimentof the present invention for use in applying an adhesive-backed film ortape segment 300 to an outer face of an adherend, such as a vehicle door500, is illustrated in FIG. 8. The adhesive-backed film segment 300 maycomprise a paint replacement film, which, in the illustrated embodiment,is applied to an outer surface 502 of the vehicle door 500. In theillustrated embodiment, the vehicle door 500 comprises a sash 504 and apillar 506. The outer surface 502 is defined by the outer surfaces ofthe sash 504 and the pillar 506.

A portion of the film segment 300 is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 8.In the illustrated embodiment, the film segment 300 defines a portion ofan adhesive-backed film structure 302. The film structure 302 furthercomprises an adhesive-backed film tab 304. A release liner (not shown)is provided which is releasably mounted to the adhesive side of the filmstructure 302. The film tab 304 is provided with a pair of openings 304a. Similarly, a first portion of the release liner, which portion isreleasably secured to the tab 304, includes a pair of openings. Theopenings in the tab and the release liner first portion allow the filmstructure 302 and corresponding release liner to be mounted to the tool400.

The release liner further includes a second portion, which is releasablysecured to the film segment 300. A perforation line 308 is providedthrough the film structure 302 so as to permit the film segment 300 tobe separated from the tab 304. A score line (not shown) may be providedin the release liner so as to permit the release liner second portion tobe separated from the release liner first portion.

The film structure 302 may comprise any one of the pressure sensitiveadhesive films or tapes used to form the film structure 102, notedabove.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the locator tool 400 is mountedto an inner edge 502 a of the vehicle door outer surface 502. The tool400 comprises a main body 430 having first and second leg portions 432and 434 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are substantially parallelto one another. The main body 430 may be formed from any one of thematerials used to form the main body 30, noted above.

The main body 430 further comprises a first set of flanges 436 a fordefining a first recess between them, a second set of flanges 436 b fordefining a recess between them, and a third set of flanges 436 c fordefining a recess between them. The flanges 436 a-436 c are similar tothe opposing flanges 36 a-36 f set out above. As is apparent from FIG.8, the locator tool 400 is mounted so that the inner edge 502 a of thevehicle door outer surface 502 is received in the recesses defined bythe flanges 436 a-436 c. First, second and third pairs of magnets (notshown) are mounted in corresponding openings in the main body 430 so asto be flush with the openings or slightly recessed in the openings. Themagnets preferably do not extend into the recesses defined by theflanges 436 a-436 c so as not to scratch or mark the vehicle door inneredge 502 a. The magnets function to releasably secure or hold thelocator tool 400 to the vehicle door inner surface 502.

A pair of locator pins 442 a and 442 b (also referred to herein aslocator projections) extend through corresponding bores in the main body430. The locator pins 442 a and 442 b are fixed in position in the mainbody 430 via locking pins (not shown), which pins are similar to pins 44a and 44 b described above. The locator pins 442 a, 442 b function tomount an adhesive-backed film structure 302 and its correspondingrelease liner. By mounting the film structure 302 and its release linerto the pins 442 a, 442 b, the locator tool 400, which preferably haspreviously been mounted to the inner edge 502 a of the vehicle doorouter surface 502, functions to properly position the film structure 302relative to the vehicle door 500 so that the segment 300 of the filmstructure 302 may be accurately located and applied to the vehicle door500.

While not shown in the FIG. 8, portions 430 c of the main body 430 nearthe flanges 436 a-436 c may be provided with a textured or groovedsurface. The textured surface functions to reduce the amount of adhesionthat occurs when a portion of an adhesive side of the adhesive-backedfilm segment 300 contacts the main body 430 thereby allowing the segmentadhesive side portion to be easily removed from the textured surface.

While not shown in FIG. 8, a release or stripper mechanism similar tothe release mechanism 50 described above may be provided to assist inremoving one or more tabs 304 located on the pins 442 a, 442 b.

The process for applying an adhesive-backed film segment 300 to theouter surface 502 of a vehicle door 500 will now be described.Initially, the locator tool 400 is manually mounted to the inner edge502 a of the vehicle door outer surface 502 such that the inner edge 502a is received in the recesses defined between the flanges 436 a-436 c.Then, an adhesive-backed film structure 302 and corresponding releaseliner are mounted to the locator pins 442 a, 442 b. The second portionof the release liner corresponding to the film segment 300 is removedfrom the film segment 300. The adhesive side of the film segment 300,which is nearest to the vehicle door 500, is then manually adhered tothe door 500. A squeegee (not shown) may be used by the operator toassist in applying the film segment 300 to the vehicle door 500. Thetool 400 is then removed from the door 500. The film segment 300separates from the tab 304 via the perforation line 308 when the tool400 is removed from the door 500. The portions of the film segment 300previously positioned over the main body portions 430 c as well as anyother portions not yet secured to the door outer surface 502 are thenmanually adhered to the outer surface 502 so as to complete theapplication process. The tab 304 may be removed via a release mechanism,if provided, or manually if such a mechanism is not provided anddiscarded. If a release mechanism is not provided, the tab 304 may beenlarged so as to extend beyond the outer edges of the main body 430 tothereby allow an operator to easily grip the tab 304 for removal fromthe locator pins 442 a, 442 b.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention. For example,it is contemplated that the tools of the present invention could be usedto apply films to articles other than vehicle sashes such as appliances,tools, etc.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A locator tool capable of being positioned on anedge of an outer surface of a vehicle door adapted to receive anadhesive-backed film segment comprising: a main body configured to bemounted on the edge of the outer surface of the vehicle door; holdingstructure associated with said main body for releasably securing saidmain body to the outer surface edge; and at least one locator projectionassociated with said main body and adapted to mount an adhesive-backedfilm structure including the film segment capable of being adhered tothe vehicle door outer surface.
 25. The locator tool as set forth inclaim 24, wherein said main body includes at least one recess into whichthe surface edge is received.
 26. The locator tool as set forth in claim25, wherein said main body comprises at least one flange which definessaid recess.
 27. The locator tool as set forth in claim 25, wherein saidholding structure comprises at least one magnetic element.
 28. Thelocator tool as set forth in claim 27, wherein said magnetic element ismounted so as not to extend into said recess.
 29. The locator tool asset forth in claim 24, wherein said at least one locator projectioncomprises at least two locator pins adapted to receive a removable tabforming part of the adhesive-backed film structure.
 30. The locator toolas set forth in claim 24, wherein said main body has a configurationallowing it to be mounted to an outer edge of the vehicle door outersurface.
 31. The locator tool as set forth in claim 24, herein said mainbody has a configuration allowing it to be mounted to an inner edge ofthe vehicle door outer surface.
 32. The locator tool as set forth inclaim 24 wherein said main body, comprises a first leg portion and asecond leg portion, said first and second leg portions defining an angleless than about 140 degrees so as to allow said main body to be mountedto a corner of the vehicle door outer surface.
 33. The locator tool asset forth in claim 24, wherein at least a portion of said main body hasa textured surface so as to reduce the amount of adhesion that occurswhen a portion of an adhesive side of the adhesive-backed film segmentcontacts said main body thereby allowing the segment adhesive sideportion to be easily removed from said textured surface.
 34. A locatortool assembly comprising: a locator tool capable of being mounted to avehicle door and including at least one locator projection adapted tomount one or more film tabs, each tab forming a removable part of anadhesive-backed film structure; and a stripper mechanism associated withsaid locator tool for use in removing the one or more film tabs fromsaid at least one locator projection.
 35. The locator tool assembly asset forth in claim 34, wherein said locator tool further comprises: amain body configured to be mounted to the vehicle door, said at leastone locator projection being coupled to said main body; and holdingstructure associated with said main body for releasably securing sadmain body to said door.
 36. The locator tool assembly as set forth inclaim 35 wherein said main body includes at least one recess into whichan edge of a vehicle door is received.
 37. The locator tool assembly asset forth in claim 35, wherein said holding structure comprises at leastone magnetic element.
 38. The locator tool assembly as set forth inclaim 34, wherein said stripper mechanism comprises: at least one guiderod; and at least one stripper element coupled to said guide rod, saidstripper element and said guide rod being movable relative to said atleast one locator projection so as to effect removal of the one or moretabs from said at least one locator projection.
 39. The locator toolassembly as set forth in claim 38, wherein said at least one guide rodextends through a bore in a main body of said locator tool and said atleast one stripper element comprises first and second stripper platescoupled to said at least one guide rod on opposing sides of said mainbody.
 40. The locator tool assembly as set forth in claim 39, whereinsaid at least one locator projection comprises at least two locator pinswhich extend through bores in said main body so as to permit the one ormore film tabs to be mounted on one of first and second sides of saidmain body.
 41. The locator tool assembles as set forth in claim 34, incombination with one or more adhesive film structures.
 42. The locatortool assembly as set forth in claim 41, wherein each of said one or moreadhesive film structures comprises an adhesive-backed paint replacementfilm structure.
 43. A method for applying an adhesive-backed filmsegment to an outer surface of a vehicle door, said method comprisingthe steps of: providing a locator tool assembly comprising a locatortool capable of being mounted to a vehicle door and including at leastone locator projection, the locator tool assembly further including astripper mechanism associated with the locator tool; mounting thelocator tool to a vehicle door; mounting an adhesive-backed filmstructure on the at least one locator projection via a tab forming partof the adhesive-backed film structure, the film structure furtherincluding a segment; securing the adhesive-backed film segment to anouter surface of the vehicle door; and removing the tab of theadhesive-backed film structure from the at least one locator projectionvia the stripper mechanism.
 44. The method as set forth in claim 43,wherein the locator tool comprises a main body including at least onerecess and said mounting step comprising the step of locating the mainbody such halt an edge of the vehicle outer surface is received in theat least one recess.
 45. The method as set forth in claim 43, whereinthe stripper mechanism comprises at least one guide rod, and at leastone stripper element coupled to the guide rod, and said removing stepcomprising the step of moving the stripper element and the guide rodrelative to the at least one locator projection so as to effect removalof the tab from the at least one locator projection.
 46. The method asset forth in claim 43, wherein the tab and segment of theadhesive-backed film structure are coupled together prior to saidsecuring step and further comprising the step of separating the segmentfrom the tab.